This festive period, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is pulling out all the stops with an exciting programme of free, family-friendly events offering a series of magical workshops, plus the return of Liverpool’s brightest light trail with two new installations.
December will see the dock’s Grand Hall transform into a bustling hub of festive fun, with a series of free workshops for both children and adults taking place across the first three weekends. Little ones can even write their own letter to Santa and send them straight to the North Pole by posting them in a giant ice post box on the 17th December.
Those putting the finishing touches to their Christmas decorations can enjoy crafting their own tree and table decorations hosted by local artist Olga Snell, while budding florists can create their own festive door swag with local florist Pretty Pricks, offering a modern take on the traditional wreath.
The Grand Hall itself will be given a magical makeover complete with a present drop off point for Radio City’s Cash for Kids charity in ‘Santa’s Workshop’. Dock visitors can leave presents between 5th-9th December from 10-4pm to help Radio City’s ‘Mission Christmas’, which is an annual gift appeal seeking to provide presents for children in need across Liverpool and the North West.
The dock’s much-loved light trail is back bigger and brighter than ever with two brand new nautical additions, representing the dock’s rich maritime history. Joining the illuminated characters of Triton, Neptune, Bella and Bertie is a giant yellow submarine located next to The Beatles Story and a twinkling jellyfish duo in-front of the Martin Luther King Jr. building, nodding to the marine life that frequents the dock’s waters.
Visitors can head to albertdock.com/christmas-22 to download a light trail map and embark on an enchanting waterfront wander with spots along the way to pick up a hot chocolate from one of the food trucks or cafés, such as Rubens and Peaberry. Post walk, warm up at one of the many restaurants and bars over a dinner of festive flavours with a diverse selection of cuisines from Gusto, Rosa’s Thai, Lunyalita, Madre and more. On weekends throughout December, there will be a variety of live music performances bringing the colonnades to life and providing the perfect festive soundtrack for the light trail.
The dock’s selection of independent retailers are perfect for those who want to get a head start on their Christmas shopping, with new striking Royal Albert Dock gift bags meaning any dock gifts purchased are ready to go straight under the Christmas tree.
From luxury sportswear at Red Run Activewear and Lost Soles, and beautiful handcrafted jewellery from The Nest, to scenic panoramic prints from Liverpool Pictures, sparkling crystals from Nature’s Treasure and even artisan Christmas pudding fudge from Roly’s Fudge, there’s a variety of special gifts to seek out.
For those looking to get their Christmas culture fix, the dock’s museums and galleries offer an array of exhibitions to explore. Head to Tate Liverpool to explore the shortlisted artists’ works for this year’s Turner Prize, with the winner announced on the 7th December, or visit Maritime Museum to learn more about the unseen world of smuggling with their ‘Seized!’ gallery.
Whether it’s to embark on the light trail, enjoy a free Christmas workshop with the family, or tuck into a festive feast with friends, it’s all here at Liverpool’s Brightest destination.
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